Nigeria not taking Mali for granted despite favourites tag

After guiding Mali for two years, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi believes he has the inside track on the Mali team.

Keshi’s Nigeria meet Mali in the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations at the Moses Mabhida Stadium tomorrow evening and Keshi says he has an idea what his team will come up against.

However, he still regarded the Eagles as tough opponents.

“It is a good feeling to be playing against them because I know a lot of them. We had a good relationship and I still talk to some of them but I am a professional and now my job is with Nigeria,” said Keshi.

He refuted claims that Nigeria’s Super Eagles were favourites to progress to the final, saying they would not take Mali for granted.

“We are obviously highly motivated after our victory over Ivory Coast but that is in the past. We have a job to do tomorrow and it won’t be easy.”

He said it was a shame what was happening back in Mali with the political unrest. He said this could serve as a motivating factor for the Mali team as they want to bring joy to their people.

“This could be the force driving their team because the people there don’t deserve to go through what they are experiencing now. They are wonderful people and if there is a possibility that I could go back there I will not hesitate.”

24.com publishes all comments posted on articles provided that they adhere to our Comments Policy. Should you wish to report a comment for editorial review, please do so by clicking the 'Report Comment' button to the right of each comment.

Tell us a bit about yourself:

Saving your profile

Settings

News24 allows you to edit the display of certain components based on a location.
If you wish to personalise the page based on your preferences, please select a
location for each component and click "Submit" in order for the changes to
take affect.

Your Location*

Weather*

Always remember my setting

Saving your settings

Facebook Sign-In

Hi News addict,

Join the News24 Community to be involved in breaking the news.

Log in with Facebook to comment and personalise news, weather and listings.